Giant’s New Food Truck, Closings, & More: The Weekly Chicago Restaurant Update

Chicago restaurant news for the week of 10/12/20.

Adrian Kane

October 15, 2020

If you want to stay on top of what’s happening with Chicago restaurants and bars right now, you’ve come to the right place. Every week, we’ll be keeping track of the latest openings, reopenings, takeout specials, and other exciting or noteworthy updates around the city.

After months of being closed, Chicago restaurants have been allowed to reopen. Check out Chicago Restaurants Reopened For Outdoor Dining for up-to-date info. And for the full list of 100+ restaurants offering new and unique takeout organized by neighborhood, check out our guide here. And if you have any tips or questions, send us an email at newsletter@theinfatuation.com.

Week of October 12th

The team behind Giant (one of our favorite restaurants in Logan Square) and Chef’s Special have launched a food truck. It will serve some dishes from both, along with some specialty items (like pizza) you can’t find at the restaurants. Track the truck’s location here.
On Thursday tickets went on sale for Blaktober, a Black-owned restaurant food festival. It’s organized by Black People Eats, and has different events (like virtual trivia) and deals and specials at over 70 different restaurants in Chicago through the rest of October.
Politan Food Hall is ending patio dining, and won't be opening for indoor dining until at least March, Eater reports. Vendors can choose to leave, or stay and use it as a ghost kitchen.
West Loop brewpub Ballast Point announced over Twitter that they’re temporarily closing on October 24th, with plans to reopen next year.
Masa Azul is also closing for the foreseeable future, according to a Facebook post.
City Mouse, the restaurant located in the Ace Hotel, is permanently closing on Sunday. According to the Tribune, the Alinea team will be taking over the space for the next three months.
Last Thursday a fire destroyed the Belmont Snack Shop in Avondale. It’s been a staple in the neighborhood since the 80s, but, sadly, Chicago Block Club reports that the damage is so severe it’s unlikely to reopen.
Closings:City Mouse is permanently closed. Elske is closing through the winter, and Ballast Point, and Masa Azul are all closing through the foreseeable future. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of September 28th

After a summer of just having their rooftop lounge open, the Nobu restaurant and hotel is finally, fully opening (for real this time) on October 1st.
According to several posts on Instagram, Maude’s Liquor Bar is closing on October 4th. Reps have not responded to requests for more information.
The chef and owner of S.K.Y. (one of 2018′s Best New Restaurants) is taking over the kitchen at Somerset and Devereaux in the Gold Coast. Both spots have been temporarily closed since July.
The former chef of Sabatino’s, a beloved Italian restaurant that closed in 2017, has just opened Avvio in Irving Park. The menu is similar, with dishes like Shrimp DeJonghe, Veal Saltimbocca, and lots of pasta.
Closings:Barton G. and Artisan Cellar are permanently closes. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of September 14th

Sadly, the classic Lakeview bar Southport Lanes & Billiards is permanently closing on September 27th. It’s been around since 1922, and you have a week-and-a-half to stop by for one last drink before it’s gone forever.
Unfortunately, Fat Willy’s BBQ is also closing this month on the 27th. They have some of the best ribs in the city, so we suggest ordering some while you still can.
Uptown is the latest neighborhood to get cleared for expanded outdoor dining through November 29th, according to Block Club Chicago. The closed-off area is from the west side of Broadway from Lawrence to Gunnison Street, and the Green Mill, Fiesta Mexicana, Uptown Arcade, Lao Sze Chuan, and Fat Cat are all participating.
Speaking of outdoor dining, Popular Lincoln Square bar the Grafton has reopened their outdoor patio.
Joe’s Seafood, Steak, & Stone Crab is popping up at the Ivy Room in River North. From now until October 3rd, you can eat Joe’s excellent seafood outside on a secluded back patio. Reservations available through Tock.
For the first time ever Michelin-starred French restaurant Everest in the Loop is offering carryout and delivery. They have a rotating three-course menu available for $64 Thursday - Saturday from 4:30 - 6:30PM.
Gretel, the new restaurant in Logan Square from the team behind Little Bad Wolf has opened a walk-up window where you can pick up things like burgers, nachos, and even oyster shucking kits.
Closings:Southport Lanes & Billiards, Fat Willy’s will be closing 9/27, Well’s Street Market, and Big Bricks and U.B. Dogs are permanently closed. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of September 7th

Some good news: After being closed since June, Parachute announced that they’re reopening on September 23rd with “a little twist”. No word yet on Wherewithall reopening.
The Tamale Guy is reopening Wednesday after the entire staff tested negative for coronavirus. Claudio Velez is still recovering in the hospital.
Sadly, Passerotto in Andersonville is closing for good on Saturday. They’re offering a farewell menu, so you still have a chance to eat their delicious food one last time.
The team behind Machine Engineered Dining & Drink is opening a pop-up in River North on September 11th. It’s called Elsewhere and will have the same elaborate cocktails and garden-y vibe as Machine.
A brand new hot pot restaurant opened downtown. Qiao Lin offers dine-in as well as carryout and delivery.
As reported by Block Club Chicago, Chicago Brauhaus, an iconic German restaurant that closed in 2017, is reopening September 17th on the second floor of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center.
Closings:Passerotto will be closing 9/12, and Ronny’s is permanently closed. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of August 31st

After being forced to close in July, The Green Mill has reopened with a brand new outdoor patio. There will be no live music for right now, but at least it’s a start.
In an effort to hold restaurants accountable, a group of hospitality workers has created CHAAD, the Chicago Hospitality Accountable Actions Database. It’s an in-depth spreadsheet that keeps track of a restaurant’s anti-racism efforts.
Claudio Velez - a.k.a. the Tamale Guy - has tested positive for Covid-19 and is in the ICU on a ventilator, according to the Chicago Tribune. His family has set up a GoFund Me for his medical expenses, and as of September 1st has raised $53,000. His restaurant, The Tamale Guy, is closed until further notice.
On Friday, Gussies Handmade Italian is opening in Old Town. It’s in the space that used to be Two Lights Seafood, which closed earlier during the pandemic.
This year’s Hamburger Hop (an event put on by Chicago Gourmet) is virtual this year. It lasts from 9/1-9/13. Order a burger, vote for your favorite, and a dollar for each burger sold goes to the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/page/IRAEFReliefFund). Click here for a list of participating restaurants.
Starting on Friday, Sept 4th, Division Street in the Gold Coast will now be blocked off for outdoor dining seven days a week.
Fulton Market is now also blocked off for outdoor dining seven days a week.
Dove’s Luncheonette has decided to temporarily close in preparation for the cooler weather.
Closings: The West Town location of Art of Dosa is permanently closed. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of August 24th

A new bar and bottle shop is opening on the 28th in Logan Square. Easy Does It is in the former East Room space, has a large outdoor patio, and is also available for carryout.
After being open for about two seconds before the shutdown, Tivoli Tavern has reopened in the West Loop with both indoor and outdoor dining. It’s from the same team as Gilt Bar and Ciccio Mio, and if you’ve eaten at either of those places, the menu will feel familiar.
On Wednesday, Governor Pritzker announced that diners will now have to keep their masks on while interacting with restaurant and bar workers. This includes whenever food and drinks are brought to the table, and picking up carryout.
Women’s Restaurant Week is August 26th-31st. Women-owned spots across Chicago will be offering patio and takeout specials. Click here for a list of the participating restaurants.
The Illinois Restaurant Association in partnership with BMO Harris Bank and design firm IDEO launched the Winter Design Challenge. People are being asked to submit ideas for how restaurants can have outdoor dining during Chicago winter, and the three best will win $5,000. Click here for details.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is temporarily closed after a worker tested positive for COVID-19.
Time Out Market in the West Loop is reopening on the 26th. They’ll have eight open restaurants, and outdoor seating as well.
Closings:3 Squares Diner, and the Lincoln Park location of Le Pain Quotidien are permanently closed. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of August 17th

Despite some internet controversy surrounding not closing after an employee tested positive for COVID, Etta’s second location in River North location is still opening on Thursday.
After being closed since March, one of our favorite restaurants, The Delta, is reopening on August 25th. They’ve updated the space (which will include a year-round patio) and added some new dishes.
Block Club reports that a group of teens in Austin have transformed a liquor store into a produce market to help with food scarcity in the neighborhood. Austin Market is a pop-up store that will run for 12 weeks, and will hopefully have a permanent location down the road.
La Fleur De Lis, a Creole restaurant that closed in 2014, is doing a pop-up from Aug 27th-30th in Lakeview. It’s being hosted by Get In The Kitchen at 3617 N. Broadway.
Halal Guys is opening a location on the Loyola campus in Roger’s Park this Friday.
Because we can’t ever have enough pizza takeout windows. Coda Di Volpa in Southport just launched The Foxhole - their carryout window specializing in Sicilian-style pies and cockails to-go.
Japan-based cream puff chain Beard Papa’s is opening a store in Bucktown. On Saturday you can buy one and get one free.
There’s a new all-day cafe in River North. Edie’s serves coffee, food, and booze, and is designed to be a place for people to hang out, eat, and work (if they want).
Milk Money Brewing has started selling school lunch kits to help parents plan for remote learning. You get five pre-packaged lunches for $30, and have the option to donate to a child in need with Milk Money matching donations.
Closings:Rainforest Cafe has permanently closed. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of August 10th

It’s official: The Tamale Guy has finally opened a restaurant in Ukrainian Village. It’s carryout only, and the menu is full of (you guessed it) tamales.
In more opening news, Lobo Pizza has also opened. You might remember it as the by-the-slice pizza place operating out of Lone Wolf, but now has a stand-alone space in Logan Square.
The Saved By The Bell pop-up Saved By The Max is returning this month. This time it’s focusing on carryout and delivery (with things like an “I’m So Excited” coffee experience and a Bayside Preppy Pack) and goes from August 20th-25th.
Daisies has officially opened Daises Market inside their restaurant. It sells fresh produce, handmade pasta, and specialty items.
This weekend, Isla Pilipina, the classic Filipino restaurant that closed back in March is popping up at Politan Row from Fri-Sun. Check out the menu here.
Closings:Bar Biscay, La Sardine, The 87th street Harolds Chicken Shack, Man Jo Vins have permanently closed. For a running list of all of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of August 3rd

Logan Square has a brand new Italian restaurant. Testaccio is from the owners of Osteria Langhe, and the menu focuses on Roman food. There’s both a patio and courtyard open for outdoor dining.
A new food hall has opened in the old Cook County Hospital. It’s called Dr. Murphy’s, and most of the stalls are minority and women-owned. See a full list of vendors here. It includes a spinoff of The Delta (called Lil’ Delta) which makes us very happy.
After waiting all summer, Chilam Bilam has finally received permits for patio seating. You can now dine outside in a little cafe they set up in the alley next to the restaurant.
On August 20th, Etta is opening a second location in River North. Like the original in Wicker Park, it will serve wood-fired meat and vegetables, pasta, and pizza. And yes, it will have outdoor patio seating as well.
This weekend Celeste is kicking off it’s summer music series on their rooftop garden. Basically its a chance for people to listen to live DJ’s and eat and drink.
Flour Power - a new handmade pasta shop from two people who used to work at Schwa, is opening this week in West Town. Preorders available via Tock.
On Friday a new French spot is opening in North Center. Robert Et Fils is starting out with family-style meals for takeout only, but plans on adding patio dining soon.
The Wicker Park location of Big Star is temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Recess has also temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for the virus.
Closings:Walton Street Kitchen & Bar Zed451) Tantrum, and Ironside Bar & Galley have permanently closed. For a running list of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of July 27th

A new restaurant is opening on the 28th in River North. It’s called The Diver and focuses on coastal food from Mexico.
And in Ukrainian Village, Kasama just opened. It’s a takeout and delivery-only Filipino-inspired restaurant and bakery where you’ll find dishes like mushroom adobo and lumpia, along with baked goods like croissants and ube basque cakes.
In more brand new opening news, Pizza Friendly Pizza is opening in the former Bite Cafe space. It’s a new (spoiler alert) pizza place from the chef at Oriole.
After being closed for two weeks, Galit is back from quarantine. They’ll be offering carryout, delivery, and dining on the street over the weekend.
But, now Monteverde is temporarily closed after one of their workers tested positive for COVID-19.
Popular bar Cork & Kerry in Beverly has been closed for violating COVID-19 guidelines. They were not following mask and social distancing rules, were open past curfew.
in Little Italy has reopened for the first time since March. Outdoor dining, along with carryout and delivery is available.
The Berghoff in the Loop has temporarily closed for the foreseeable future.
Instead of pivoting to takeout, BLVD is planning on reopening on August 12th as a high-end steakhouse. It will have a completely new menu and concept.
Closings:Bottle Blonde Grand Trunk Road, and Concrete Cowboy have permanently closed. For a running list of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of July 20th

All of Chicago’s LEYE-owned restaurants (which includes spots like Aba, Summer House, and Sushi-san) are now requiring infrared temperature checks before dining. They’re also asking diners if they’ve visited any of the states on the travel restriction list, and if the answer is yes, you won’t be able to dine-in.
Starting on Friday, bars (a.k.a. places that serve drinks but no food), will no longer be allowed to have indoor service. Outdoor drinking is still allowed.
Cindy’s Rooftop is closing “through the first quarter of 2021”, according to their Instagram.
A portion of the Jarvis Square business corridor in Roger’s Park will close, allowing for expanded outdoor dining on the weekends. Jarvis Avenue from the “L” tracks to Glenwood Avenue will close from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday as part of the city’s pilot program to close neighborhoods streets for more outdoor dining.
And on Thursday, Guthrie’s, a 34-year-old bar in Wrigleyville, is closing. Coincidence? Nope. In a Facebook post, ownership cited the new restrictions as the main reason.
Somerset is under new ownership. The Viceroy hotel has taken over, and it will have a brand new chef and menu.
A new Filipino restaurant just opened in the French Market. Taste Of The Philippines (which started at a farmers market) will serve dishes like pancit, lumpia, and ube donuts.
Yugen, an expensive tasting menu restaurant in the West Loop, is reopening on July 31st. It’s debuting two new concepts: Kaisho Grab & Go, an upscale take on what you’ll find in a Japanese convenience store (with things like crustless tonkatsu and egg salad sandwiches) and Kaisho Tiki Takeover, a patio with drinks and small plates.
There’s a new brewery in Streeterville. Crushed By Giants opened last Friday, and along with beer also has tacos and burgers.
Closings:Guthrie’s Tavern is closing on Thursday, and Farmhouse, Tecalitlan, and El Gordo are permanently closed. For a running list of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of July 13th

This weekend two outdoor dining areas will pop up in Lakeview, giving people space to eat their to-go orders in case the restaurant patios are full. The first spot is Cornelia Ave. just east of Southport, and the second is North Paulina between Roscoe and Henderson. Check here for info on parking and street closures.
Lost Lake will launch a fundraiser, “Schmears for Queers,” on Sunday. It involves bagels (like sesame with rainbow cream cheese or lox with scallion), mimosas, and goes until supplies last. All proceeds will go to Affinity Community Services.
The city shut down The Wise Owl for violating a whole bunch of protocols. Last weekend this West Loop bar was over capacity, didn’t maintain social distancing, and people weren’t wearing masks. In addition to being forced to close, they were also denied their request for an expanded outdoor dining permit.
Rick Bayless has left Mexican restaurants Cruz Blanca and Leña Brava in the West Loop. They’ll be taken over by his former business partner, while Bayless focuses on his other spots in River North.
There’s a new Korean pop-up restaurant in Fulton Market. Joomak has opened inside Cold Storage. Expect dishes like fried octopus, cold noodles, bibimbap, and kimchi jeon.
For the first time, The Violet Hour has a patio where you can drink outside. They’re calling it The Violet Hour Cafe, and you can make reservations here.
Baobing (the carryout window attached to Duck Duck Goat now has a secret back patio where you can have their snacks, soft serve, and cocktails.
After being closed since March, The Bristol is finally reopening on the 15th. But expect some changes - they have a different chef, team, and a whole new menu.
The team behind Omakase Yume has opened a new izakaya next door. TenGoku Aburiya serves noodles, donburi, and grilled items. They also have a small outdoor patio.
A new delivery-only sushi spot just opened in the West Loop. Krispy Rice comes from LA, and serves cutely-packaged combination boxes filled with things like crab hand rolls, spicy tuna on crispy rice, and maki.
Chef’s Special is opening for outdoor dining on Thursday the 16th. Up until now, they’ve just had a to-go window.
Closings:Chubby Weiners and Scout are permanently closed. For a running list of Chicago’s closed restaurants, click here.

Week of July 6th

Officials announced on July 10th that Chicago bars, breweries, and restaurants that serve alcohol must close by midnight in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID.
Starting this weekend and going until August 16th, Lincoln avenue in Lincoln Park will close Saturdays and Sundays to make room for outdoor dining. You can find a list of participating restaurants (and yes, this includes Galit) here.
The virtual version of Taste Of Chicago is this week and lasts until Sunday. Taste Of Chicago To-Go starts July 8th beginning with a food truck procession in Grant Park and will include online cooking demonstrations, concerts, and more.
Superkhana is reopening by debuting a new takeout window this weekend. They’ve been closed since the shutdown, but now will be selling bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and drinks to-go.
The fourth location of Roots opened in the South Loop on Friday. It’s huge, with two patios and a retractable roof.
A new restaurant has opened in the West Loop. It’s named PB&J, which stands for pizza, beer, and jukebox - all of which you’ll find here. But it also serves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, including a $350 over-the-top version made with ingredients like rare honey and gold leaf. The large space has garage-style windows and a retractable roof.
Uncooked is another new spot in the West Loop, and as the name would suggest specializes in raw food. It’s grab-and-go, and you’ll find dishes like matcha chia pudding, cacio e pepe made with kelp noodles, and radish ravioli with kale pesto.
Andersonville also has a brand new restaurant. Fiya is a Middle Eastern restaurant with a large outdoor patio, and a menu full of hummus and wood-fired dishes like chicken or roasted sweet potato.
Speaking of Andersonville, on June 10th Mexican restaurant Octavio will reopen as The Bird Cage. It’s an LGBTQ+ safe space with drinks, food, and events like drag and burlesque shows.
For the first time, Professor Pizza (a popular Chicago pizza pop-up with a cult following) is available to order on Tock. Pies are designed to bake at home and can be picked up and/or delivered Fridays and Saturdays.
Closings:Rickshaw Republic, Bite Cafe, Dirty Root, [Ocatand La Fontanella are permanently closed.

Week of June 29th

On July 1st, Mundano is reopening for outdoor dining with a brand new 70 seat patio. They’re open for indoor dining too.
After a lot of delays, the The Nobu rooftop has finally opened in the West Loop. Along with a long list of sake and cocktails, they’re also serving Japanese small plates and sushi.
Luella’s Southern Kitchen has just launched Bayes Little Bakery, their carryout-only bakery based out of Luella’s. You’ll find treats like sweet potato pie and hummingbird cake, and everything needs to be preordered.
For the next six weeks, Alinea is taking over a rooftop space in the West Loop. This version is called “AIR,” and from July 1st to August 15th, they’re serving their $285-$315 tasting menu outdoors.
Starting on Friday The Darling is opening their brand new outdoor patio “The Rose Garden”. Reservations available through Tock.
Ada Street is providing concessions for the Davis Theater’s new summer drive-in movie series. Get tickets here.
Closings:Blackbird, Bad Hunter, and [Cafe Cancale][https://theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/cafe-cancale) are permanently closed.

Week of June 22nd

Today all restaurants in Chicago are allowed to reopen for indoor dining only under phase IV protocol. If you want to know what that means, check out our FAQ.
Cindy’s has finally reopened. This rooftop bar and restaurant on top of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel has been closed since the shutdown began but is now available for outdoor drinks and light bites.
Funkenhausen has reopened for outdoor dining. And after months of being closed, they’re offering carryout and to-go cocktails, too.
The city is allowing five more neighborhoods to expand their outdoor dining areas - Restaurant Row in the West Loop, Balmoral Avenue on both sides of Clark Street in Andersonville, Chinatown Square at Archer Avenue between Wentworth and Princeton avenues in Chinatown, Oliphant Avenue from Northwest Highway to an alley just north of the Northwest Highway in Edison Park, and sidewalk dining on 75th Street between Indiana and Calumet avenues in Chatham.
Boleo, the South American rooftop bar on top of the Kimpton in the Loop has reopened for outdoor dining. Carryout and delivery for cocktails and small plates are available, too.
Gaijin has a few things going on. They have a brand new patio that’s open for outdoor dining, along with a walk-up window where you can grab treats and cocktails. Plus, they’ll be reopening for indoor dining on Friday as well.
Parachute and Wherewithall are closing temporarily until August 1st.
Closings: The Marina location of Yolk and Clever Rabbit have permanently closed.

Week of June 15th

On June 26th, all restaurants in Chicago are allowed to reopen for indoor dining only under phase IV protocol. The city hasn’t released those guidelines yet, but we’re going to keep you updated on what we know so far. And if you want to know about Outdoor Dining under the Phase III protocols, check out our FAQ.
For the first time ever Girl & The Goat is offering carryout, and they just opened their patio for outdoor dining. Reservations required.
Sushi-san is doing an omakase pop-up at RPM Events from 6/18 - 6/20 for $98 per person.
Sunda has been closed since the shutdown but is now reopened. They’re offering outdoor dining on their patio along with carryout and delivery.
Duck Duck Goat has reopened for outdoor dining. They’re serving a pre-paid prix fixe menu for $35 per person, and you can choose between a vegetarian or a meat option.
The cute side patio at Mi Tocaya is now available for outdoor dining, and they’ll still be offering carryout and cocktails to-go.
Swift & Sons is now offering outdoor dining. Reservations required.
The rooftop at La Josie is open for outdoor dining and drinking.
Table Donkey And Stick has reopened its patio for outdoor dining.
La Storia has opened their courtyard and patio for outdoor dining, and they started serving weekend brunch, with bottomless mimosas.
Band Of Bohemia has started offering picnic packs that include a grain salad, bread and butter, housemade pickles, crudite, seasonal fruits, olives, and things like duck or poached salmon.
A number of Black-owned restaurants will be celebrating Juneteenth by offering specials priced at $6.19. You can find the list of restaurants organized by Black People Eats here.
Carnivale is now open for carryout and delivery, and outdoor dining.
Starting Wed the 17th, bars that don’t serve food can reopen for outdoor drinking. They have to follow the same Phase 3 Guidelines as restaurants, which you can read about in our FAQ.
On Tuesdays, Bavette’s now offers a carryout and delivery special. You get a burger, fries, and beer for $19.95.
Closings:Hot G Dog, Two Lights Seafood And Oyster, and Davanti Enoteca have all permanently closed.

Week of June 7

On Saturday, June 13th Cabra is reopening the rooftop for both patio and poolside dining. It’s serving a prix-fixe menu, and you need to pay a $50 deposit if you want to eat by the pool.
Monteverde is also opening its patio for outdoor dining on Saturday, June 13th. Carryout and Delivery will still be available.
From 6/12-6/14 and 6/19-6/21 street closures on Broadway in Lakeview will allow over 30 restaurants to offer outdoor dining. Click here for the list of spots participating.
Doughnut Vault is now offering pickup. And since they have some of the best doughnuts in the city, this is very good news.
Chef’s Special in Wicker Park has reopened for takeout, and from June 11th to June 16th is donating 100% off all proceeds to support the work of 360-Nation and [Family Matters](https://www.familymatterschicago.org/ in Rogers Park.
The Lincoln Park location of Sweet Mandy B’s has reopened for carryout and delivery.
HaiSous has reopened for carryout, with delivery being offered in a few weeks. Orders must be placed 24 hours in advance.
Pauli Gee’s has reopened, and their delicious pizza is available for carryout and delivery.
Beatnik is now offering food for carryout. They also opened their front room for partial-indoor dining.
Good Measure is offering 50% off for all carryout orders, and has a little patio area for you to sit outside.
Momotaro now has an online market, where you can order things like wagyu or lamb chops to cook at home.
Spinning J’s is now allowing you to stop by the restaurant and order treats like milkshakes and pie at the door for takeout. Online ordering is still available, but they are no longer offering delivery.
The Bridgeport location of Antique Taco has reopened, and is debuting a takeout window. You can also sit outside on their patio.
Virtue has reopened for both outdoor dining, and carryout.
Closings:25 Degrees and Fahlstrom’s Fish Market have closed permanently.

Week of June 1

Chicago restaurants officially re-opened for outdoor dining. Here’s what we know about eating in Chicago restaurants right now. Look for a full list of restaurants re-opened for outdoor dining next week.
Recess (formally named City Hall) reopened, with the largest patio in the city. And yes, they are open for outdoor dining (reservations accepted).
Band Of Bohemia just started offering carryout. You can choose from several “picnic packs” as well as pick up growlers to-go. They’re also hosting the Green City Market Wed-Thu from 4pm-6pm.
Cebu recently started offering brunch again, available for carryout and delivery Fri-Sun 11am-3pm. They also just opened their back patio for outdoor dining.
Dolo in Chinatown is now offering its full dim sum menu for pickup and delivery.

Week of May 25

Chicago restaurants can reopen for outdoor dining on Wed 6/3. You can find the guidelines listed here.
Starting this weekend, Etta in Wicker Park will open as a market on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am-4pm. They’re selling prepared foods, pastries, and pantry items (including jars of their giardiniera).
The Dawson is also becoming a weekend market. You’ll find baked goods, grill kits, wine, and more
Gilt Bar is now open for carryout.
Schwa just started offering a brand new, 6-course, DIY menu for $72 per person.
After being closed since March, Mundano is now taking pre-orders for meal kits and a picnic spread for two. They’re also using their restaurant space as a pickup location for local farms selling fresh produce.
Ema in River North has recently reopened for curbside pick-up and delivery. And there’s now a walk-up window where you can get frozen Greek yogurt to go.
Athenian Room just reopened for carryout. Call 773-348-5155 to order.
Lula Cafe is now available for takeout. You can order a daily brunch box (which includes an entree, salad, and pastry) or a three-course seasonal dinner.
Bang Bang Pie recently started offering pies, biscuits, take-and-bake options, breakfast meal kits, and some pantry items for carryout.
Sepia just started offering family meals for carryout, available Wed-Sat from 2-7pm. The menu changes weekly (right now it’s garlic focaccia, a tomato salad, lasagna, roast broccoli, and tiramisu), and costs $32.50.
Closings:Chicago Clipper has closed permanently

Week of May 18th

The governor just announced that Illinois restaurants are allowed to reopen for outdoor dining under Phase III, which is scheduled to begin on 5/29.
Lillie’s Q Bucktown location permanently closed in March, but reopened this week inside District Brew Yards. You can get BBQ by the half-pound (like ribs, brisket, and pimento cheese sausage), snacks like fried pickles, and sides.
This week, Saigon Sisters and Demera started a collaboration. Customers can pick up special Ethiopian meals from Demera at Saigon Sisters in the West Loop, and you can get select Vietnamese dishes from Saigon Sisters at Demera in Uptown.
Big City Chicken is popping up in Streeterville Mon-Fri. You can get fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, and a family meal that includes either a 10-piece bone-in chicken or 20-piece tenders, waffle fries, mac n’ cheese, and coleslaw.
Ramen-San in Fulton Market is now offering carryout through their new storefront window. Besides ramen, you can get dishes like Thai beef noodle salad or fried rice, along with pints of housemade matcha-Oreo ice cream and root beer floats.
After being closed for over two months, Cafe Cancale reopened for carryout and delivery. This seafood-focused French spot now has family-style meals and meal kits (like mussels, an oyster shucking kit, and flounder e papillote) along with a virtual market with fresh vegetables, bread, cheese, and some pantry staples.
Doves Luncheonette reopened and is now offering carryout. You can order one of their classic dishes (like the chicken-fried chicken), or meal kits like biscuits and gravy or the burnt ends hash to make at home.
Good Measure just started offering carryout and delivery for signature dishes (including their fantastic burger) along with some specialty items (like their housemade aioli) and pantry staples.
Closings:Mable’s Table, and the Chicago location of Ditka’s have closed permanently